Creamy Garlic Pasta

Introduction

Looking for a simple yet indulgent pasta dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? This creamy garlic pasta is the answer. It’s silky, savory, and loaded with bold garlic flavor—all balanced by rich butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something comforting, this recipe is a foolproof favorite that always satisfies.

Ingredient Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to create this garlic-lover’s dream dinner:

• Pasta (Fettuccine or Spaghetti): A long noodle like these holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Unsalted Butter: For a rich, velvety base.

• Fresh Garlic: The star of the dish—don’t skimp.

• Heavy Cream: Adds that luscious, creamy texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings saltiness and depth to the sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat if desired.

• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

3. Make the Cream Sauce
   Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Adjust the Consistency
   If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired texture.

5. Season and Combine
   Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—avoid pre-shredded.

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions.

• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

• Want more garlic punch? Add roasted garlic or garlic powder to deepen the flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, linguine, or tagliatelle work well. Just cook according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the Parmesan cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it with added cream or pasta water.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Try adding spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for a more well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, rich, and loaded with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in 25 minutes.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to bookmark or share it with someone who loves garlic as much as you do.

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Creamy Garlic Pasta

Author: kima recipe Courses: Dinner

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 550 kcal

Description

This creamy garlic pasta is rich, buttery, and full of flavor. Ready in 25 minutes, it's the perfect easy dinner for garlic lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Stir in cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.

4. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta and toss to coat.

6. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

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Note

• Cook this recipe at low heat.
• Use fresh ingredients for better taste
• After cooking, wait for at least 15 minutes for better taste

Keywords: Creamy pasta recipe, Easy garlic pasta, Homemade creamy pasta, Pasta with garlic sauce, Garlic butter pasta